Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist provides supportive services that promote recovery, self-determination, and community integration for individuals receiving behavioral health services. Working under general supervision, this position offers encouragement, practical support, advocacy, and resource navigation across a variety of settings, contributing to improved stability and well-being for individuals served by Renew.

This position is part of Renew's support services workforce and works alongside clinical and case management teams. Unlike clinician roles, the Peer Support Specialist focuses on practical support, problem-solving assistance, engagement, and resource connection rather than clinical assessment or treatment services. Specific duties vary by program assignment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

• Provides individual and group support services that promote engagement, recovery, and community integration.
• Offers practical assistance such as resource navigation, skill-building, scheduling support, or accompaniment to services, helping individuals pursue identified goals.
• Assists individuals in identifying strengths, supports, and preferences to increase autonomy and participation in services.
• Helps individuals connect with community supports and collaborates with internal and external service providers to support continuity of care.
• Supports safety and stabilization by responding appropriately to challenging situations and following agency protocols.
• Provides education to individuals, families, or community partners on behavioral health services and available resources.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in accordance with WAC, RCW, contracts, and agency requirements.
• Participates in required training, supervision, and team meetings to maintain competency and support program operations.
• Ensures all services honor individual rights and align with cultural, linguistic, and family-specific needs to promote equitable, person-centered care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In addition to the core essential functions, Peer Support Specialists may perform the following duties depending on their assigned program area. These duties reflect the unique focus of each specialty and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Case Management Peer Support Specialist

Program Area: Case Management

• Delivers individual and group peer support using shared lived experience to strengthen engagement and build trusting relationships.
• Assists individuals in developing skills that enhance daily functioning and community participation to promote independence and long-term stability.

Crisis Peer Support Specialist

Program Area: Crisis Solutions/Behavioral Health Outreach

• Provides mobile peer support and behavioral health outreach in community settings to reduce distress and stabilize individuals during crisis events.
• Offers health education, system navigation, and linkage to needed resources to increase access to immediate care and community supports.
• Collaborates with crisis teams, law enforcement, and community partners in the field, including from a mobile workstation, to ensure coordinated crisis response.

Recovery Coach Peer Support Specialist

Program Area: Crisis Solutions/Substance Use Support

• Engages individuals experiencing substance use challenges through peer-based support to increase motivation for recovery and sustained engagement in care.
• Coordinates with hospitals, SUD providers, and community medical partners to connect individuals with appropriate treatment and recovery resources.

Youth Partner Peer Support Specialist

Program Area: WISe (Wraparound with Intensive Services)

• Partners with youth to identify needs, preferences, and goals to support meaningful participation in the WISe process.
• Facilitates communication between youth and involved systems to ensure youth perspectives shape decision-making and service planning.
• Provides peer-based coaching and wraparound engagement to enhance youth empowerment, skill-building, and progress toward individualized recovery goals.

Family Partner Peer Support Specialist

Program Area: WISe (Wraparound with Intensive Services)

• Partners with caregivers to strengthen participation in the WISe process and to help families advocate for their needs within the system.
• Provides parent education, coaching, and resource navigation to build caregiver confidence and support effective care planning.
• Acts as a mediator and cultural broker between families and service providers to ensure family voice and choice guide the wraparound process.

Education, Experience, and Licensing

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have completed or willing to complete the Washington State Peer certification program (Certified Peer Counselor Licensure).
• Experience supporting or navigating Mental Health Services, either as a child or an adult.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience as a Peer Counselor in a behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with youth, families, or individuals experiencing substance use disorders (program-dependent).
• Experience working within community-based mental health or county/regional behavioral health systems.

Professional Licenses/Certifications:

• Washington State Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor Credential. Must maintain an active credential with the State of Washington.

Other Requirements:

• Valid WA State Driver's License and maintain insurability under the County's vehicle insurance policy.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in office, community, and field-based settings, including homes, schools, jails, and other community locations.
• May encounter individuals experiencing emotional distress, hostility, or aggressive behavior.
• May work in varied environmental conditions, including exposure to fluctuating temperatures and less-controlled environments when providing services off-site.
• May experience interruptions, moderate noise levels, and changing priorities in shared work environments.
• Duties require regular travel within the community, including driving in varying road and weather conditions; may also require transporting individuals when appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit, stand, walk, and move between locations in community and field settings throughout the workday.
• Operate office equipment, including a computer, phone, and copier.
• May be required to lift, carry, or move items up to 25 pounds.
• Although not the primary focus of this position, Renew facilities provide clinical services so all positions may be exposed to potentially verbally and physically aggressive individuals and/or environments, as well as exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

Benefits

• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Grant County Health Insurance
• Washington Dental Service Dental Insurance Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• PERS or LEOFF Retirement
• Supplemental Retirement/Deferred Compensation
• Supplemental Life & AD&D, LTD Insurance